Automatic telephone connector-switch.



No. 815,176. PATENTED MAR. 1 3? 190 A. E. KBITH & J; & 0. J. ERIOKSON.AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CONNECTOR SWITCH.-

APPLIGATION FILED APRHZ I, 1905.

8 SHEETS-SHEET l.

No. 815,176. PATENTED MAR. 13, 190 A. E. KEITH & J. & 0.";r. ERICKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CONNECTOR SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED APR.21, 1905.

s SHEETS-SHEET 2 v (Z amcw Y r 23 *PATENT'ED.-MAR.\1 3, 1906. v A'. E.KEITH a; J. & 0. J. ERIGKSON. AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CONNECTOR SWITCH.

APPLIGATION FILED APR.21, 1905.

- 8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

No; 815,176. PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906.

A. B. KEITH & J-. & 0. J. ERIOKSON.

AUTOMATIOKTELEPHONE CONNECTOR SWITCH.

- APPLICATION FILED APR.21, 1905- 8 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906. OKSON.

A. E.-KEITH M. & 0-. J. ERI

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE GONNEG TOR SWITCH. 1905.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 21, v a snrzmsrsnnm' 5.

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llllllillllllllll- No. 815,176. PATENTED MAR. 13, 1 906 A. E. KEITH & J.& 0. J. ERIOKSON.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CONNECTOR SWITCH.

APPLIOATION IILED.APR.21, 1905. I

8 SHEETS+SHEET mun PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906. IGKSON. 1

' A. E. KEITH & J. & G. J. EB AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE GONNEG TOR SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED APILZI, 1905. v.

8 SHBETSSHEET 7,

scri er for making t ica N TED STATES I ALEXANDER n- KEITHQ'JO'HNERIOKSON, AND CHARLES' .i 'ERI'o soN, .oi

or CHICAGO, V ILLINOIS.

. i ialaan th n 21, 1965. serial-m. 256, 04. a

To all whor rtiitma4y.cortcennk Be it known that we, ALEXANDER E.KEITH,

JOHN EmoKsoN, and CHARLES J. ERIcKsoN,

d the line of the.called'subscriber that is, the. subscribers line withwhich the connectorcitizens of the UnitedStates .lof America,.anresidents of Chicago, Cook county, Illinois, have-inventedfia' certainnew and useful Improvement in Automatic Telephone Connector-Switches ofwhich the following is a specification..

, ing-machines of that particular 1; e in which v ;a rotatable andendw-ise -mov'a le' switch- Our invention relates toautomaticswitchshaft is employed for operating the switchcontacts by which anyone of a numberof possible connections can be made, according to thenumber which the subscriber is calling,

and in which electromagnetically actuated means are employed for givingthe shaft its;

step-by-step rotary and endwise movements. In this particular case ourinvention relates 'more particularly to automatic switchingmachines ofthis character, which are employed as connector-switches and-which arecommonly known as connectors.

In' automatic telephone --exc han es 'the' switches orswitching-machines ,w 'ch're-.

ceive -number im ul ses and which automatically select an id etrunk-line are called selectors; but the switches, .each of which is adated'to be employed by'the calling subknown as connectors. The step-b sterotation of at selector is automatic 111 this respect that Itsswitch-shaft rotates automat-.

switchboard operator and is directly under Consenumber of impulses forgiving a connector the deslred extent of vertical step-by stepmovement-and then sends one or more impulses for giving the switch-s'haft'of the connector the desired extent of step-byestep rotarymotion, it being understood that a selector performs anoperationcorresponding to a single digit of the called number. while aconnector performs a general operation 'cornposed of two distinct orsuccesslveo erations representing the last two digits of t e called efinal connection directly with'the called-'subscribers line, arey untilanidle trunk-line is found. As. distinguished from this the rotation ofa connector is only automaticin the sense that the operation does notrequire the services 'of a 'i atented March.13,.1 9b6.'

with means for establishin fa guarding-ponu'mbei'. =A connector isdesirably provided tential at all switch-termina s connected with makesthe final connection-and in this way there is no danger'of the saidcalled-sub scribers line being seized by other subscribers conversingor, befo'reifthe called subscriber while the calling and ,calledsubscribers are answers. It is also evident, however, that whileaselector is desirably provided with means for'insuring an'automaticrotation of its I switchshaft iuntilan idle trunk-line is found aconnector must as distinguished from this be provided with means wherebyit will automatically release and resume its normal condition in casethe called-subscribers line is found busy-that is, already in use.Furthermore, a connector is also desirably provided with means wherebythe I calling subscriber in case the line which-he is v I calling isbusy willreceive a busy. signal as soon as he attempts to'ring the bellat the called-subscriber's station. lectors and connectors are desirablyro vided with electromagneticallyoperate release mechanism by which theswitches can be released and the connections broken after 7 r i theconversation is terminated; but in a connector we it preferable toeffect a release and restoration of the mechanism by the en- Again, bothse-' f ergizing of the -release-magnetthat is, i

we find it referable to release the mechanism upen't e energizing of therelease-magnet and before the latter s 'denergized while in a selectorit is customary and pref erable to. so arrange the mechanism that therelease and restoration of the selectors will not take place until thereleasema'gnetof each selector is denergized. I 7

As stated, our present invention relates to automatic switching-machinesfor use as connectors, and the nature of these connectors .4

and other distinctions between the same and will hereinafter thewell-known selectors more fully appear.

I Generally stated, thBObjGOl) of our inventio'n'is the provision of animproved, sim lified, and highly efficient automatic switching machine aapted more particularl for use as a connector; to 1mpr ove,.'n 1o ify,and adapt a switching-machine mechanism of this particular character foruse as a connector, and to provide certain details and features of imrovement tending to increase the general e ciency and seryiceability ofa switching-machine of this particular type or construction.

A special object is to provide, in connection I with the other essentialfeatures of a connector-switc of this character, anim roved In'the accomanying"drawin-gsj Figure 1 is a left-hand si e elevation of aconnector-.

switch embodying the princi les of our invention. Fig. 2 is a front eevation of the same. Fig. -3 is -a right-hand side elevation of the saidautomatic switching-machine or connector. Fig. 4 is a detail plan viewof the top of the switching-machine. Fig. 5 is a vertical section online 5 5 in Fig. 4. 'Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on line 6 6 in Fig.5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective of one of the jacksprings on theswitching-machine. Fig. .8 is a face view of the j ack-springs on theswitching-machine. Fig. 9 is a section on line 9 9 in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 isa perspective of one of the jack-springs on the stationary frame orrack. Fig..11 is a face view of some of the j ack-springs on the rack orsupport. Fig, 12 is a section on line 12 12 in Fig. 11. is a detail viewshowingthe manner in which a jack-spring on the switchingmachine engagesa stationary jack-spring on the frame or supporting-rack. Fig. 14 is anenlarged plan view of one of the banks of line-contacts. Fig. 15 is asection online 15 15 in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a similar section throughthe private bank. Fig. 17 is an end view of one of the line-banks. Fig.18 is a perspective of the end plates of the line-banks. Fig. 19 is adetail -sectional view of the private-bank wiper. Fig. 20 is .a similarview of one of the line-shaft wipers. Fig. 21 is a perspective of one ofthe rings or collars employed in securing the banks of contacts to theirsupporting rods or hangers. Figs. 22 and 23 aredetail sectional viewsshowing the method of applying the said rings to the rods or hangers onwhich the banksof contacts are supported, Fig. 24 is an enlarged sideelevation of that portion of the switchingmachine involving theso-called private andfrotar magnets, the rotary ratchetteeth, an theside switch. Fig. 25 is a plan of the devices shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 26is a detail horizontal sectional view showing adiflerent portion of theratchet mechanismshown in Fig. 25. Figs. 27 to 31, inclu- 33 is asimilar view showing the ratchet mechanism in a different position. Fig.34 is a front elevation of the devices shown in Fig. 32. Fig. 35 is adetail side elevation of the grooved or channeled side of the verticalratchet-teeth. Fig. 36 is a detail horizontal section just above thevertical ratchet-teeth. Fig. 37 is a similar view showing the parts indifferent positions. Fig. 38 is a detail side elevation of that portionof the switchingmachine involving the so-called releasemagnet andlocking-dogs. Fig. -39.is a front elevation of the devices shown in Fig.38. Fig. 40 is a view of the other side of the mechanism shown in Fig.38. Fig. 41 is a view similar to Fig. 39, but showing the parts indifierentpositions. Fi 42 is a pers ective' of the spring arm pr inkemploye for normally holding the double locking-dog out of engagementWith the vertical and rotary ratchet-teeth, showing the same disengagedfrom the projection carried by the lockingdog. Fig. 43 is a similar viewshowing the spring arm or link in engagement with the projection on thedouble lockin -dog. Fig. 44 is a detail horizontal sectiona view showingthe side switch in plan. Fig. 45 is a similarview showing the sideswitch in a different position. Fig. 46 is a perspective of the sideswitch, operating-arm, and adjacent parts. Fig.47 is a side elevation ofthe side-switch wipers and switch-contacts. Fig. 48 is a view similar toFigs. 44 and 45, but showing the side switch in a different position. 49is a bottom view of that portion of the frame which supports the sideswitch, showing the side-switch wipers and contacts. Fig. 50 is a detailsectional view showing the key or device'for regulating the tensionof..the .side-switch spring. Fig. 51 is a diagrammatic'view showing thecircuit arrangement of the connector and also showing certain parts ofthe connector mechanism in perspective, so as to give a clearer idea ofthe relation between the circuits and the mechanical parts or mechanism.

As thus illustrated, the switching-machine, commonly known as aconnector, comprises a cast frame or body A, preferably of non-magneticmaterial, and provided with a lower horizontal portion (1, having a pairof forward and laterallyrojecting' ears or pertions a. The verticaldisposed and rotatable switch-shaft B is supported in a lower bearing a,secured to the said portion a, and in an upper bearing 0 secured to theforward portions of the to or upper horizontal portion a of the saidfiame or body. The

ICC

I I said shaft rovidd it li ifi p n b and b"; and a so with a so-called'private'.

-.wiper bi; Thesaid line-wipers are each preferably composed of a 'pairof spring in gers or arms, with insulation so applied that they are notonl insulated from-each other,

' -but also; from t e switch-shaft upon which the sw1tch-shaft.- Ansuitable means Jcan:

they. are mounted.v --(S e Fig. 20.) Refer ring toFig. 19, -howver,itW1ll be seen that the private wiper is com osed of" two similar. springfingers-or arms ut' in this case the sameare. not insulated. from eachother, althou h, of course, they are insulated from be employed'forsecurlng these three wipers" or s g switch-armsto the endwisemovable androtatable switch-shaft B. The

supportingrodsfor 'li'an ers a have their '11 ate, the different levelsbeing separated from er ends secured to t 'portion' a of t e ame'or bodyand are of suflicient lengthto permit the upper or rivate bank C andalso the lower or line ban s D and E-to be strungthereon and suitablysecured place by' means of split collars or clamping-ringsa. Referringto Fig.16, itwill be seen that the so-called private bank Othat is, thebank of switch-contacts known as private'con- =tacts is composed ofsubstantially one.

hundred terminals, each consisting of a single contact and all arrangedin horizontal rows of ten terminals each. Inthis way there 'are tenlevels at which the switch-shaft may opereach other by suitableinsulation, and it will lation is so a plied-that the said terminals orprivate ba contacts are insulated from-- The rivate-bank contacts-arealso be understood, of course, that the insueach other; all bound andhel togetherby means of the upperandlower clamping-plates 'c and c andby means of the bolts or screws 0 ex-.

tending downwardly therethrough. The forward ends of these private-bankcontacts are .adapted to be engaged by the-said private corres onding tothe line contaotsor termi-.

nals '0 this particular connector. In Fig. 15

:it'will be seenthat' each line-bank comprises substantially fiftyterminals arranged in horizontal rows of ten, terminals each, and eachterminal in this case, how'ever, consisting oftwo'contacts'insulated'from each other and' from the balance of thestructure.

seen' that the relative arrangement,is such It will be that one setof-line-2Wipers on the shaft will swing idly between two horizontalrow'sof line-terminals, while the other line-wiper is traversing a horizontalrow of line-terminals in the other bank; In this way the twohnebanks'really constitute but'one bank of lmecontacts-that is tosay,but the bank of substantially one hundred line terminals, each terminalbeing connected with a, differentsubscribers line. Consequently while"one set of line-wipers is in use the other. is out of use but theprivate wiper on the shaft is always in use, no matter; at what levelthe shaft is operating. For example, while the lowerpair ofline-wipersbis travehng over' a row 0 line-terminals in the bank E the upper pair ofline-wipers?) traveling idly and out of contact with any of theterminals in the bank D but should the shaft be given while under suchconditions the lower pair of lin'efwipers is traveling idl and -out ofcontact with all terminals in the ower bank E. In this way the shaft atone level --'one more vertical step then the upper pair [Of line-wipersis brought into use and caused -to travel upon a row of line-terminalsin the bank D uses-the lower pair of line-wipers and the lower bank oflineterminals and then at the next level it uses' the up erpair ofline-wipers and the upper bank of 'ne-terminals. Consequently there areten operative levels for the shaft and its contacts but the line-wipersalternate, one air being used at one level I and the next palrbeingbrought into use upon the steppin up of the shaft to. the'next level, I

and so on t oughoutthe different levels at which the .shaftisj capableof rotating. As stated, howeveig'the rivate wiper is always in useregardless of wgat level the shaft is operating in. It is foundmoresatisfactory to divide the line-terminalsinto twobanks and to usetwo pairs of linewipers,.for the reason that this arrangementinvolves-less vertical movement on the part of the shaft than would bethe case were the line contacts or terminalsall arranged in one ban-kfor it" will be seen. that the line-terminalseach consists of twocontacts, one for eachside of the linecircuit, whereas. the terminals inthe private bank are of such character that each'row'or I level consistssimply of a series of single contacts. In this way it is possible tosatisfactorily arrange the ten levels of the private bank; in a singlebank of contacts of the same eneral dimensions'and the same height as abank of line-terminals containing only five horizontal rowsof terminals.

the entire vertical movement of the switchshaft maybe substantially thesame as the height or thickness of one of the banks of contacts, whereasif only one pair of line-wiperswere employed in conjunction with asingle bank of ine-terminals the shaft would then.

.be required to move u and down to aneirtent equal to the com inedheight or thickness of the two line-banks shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Itwill be understood that the arrangement of bank-contacts is such that acalling subscriber may cause the switch-shaft to firstrise to thedesired level, so as to en- I It-is evldent, V v therefore that withthearrangement shown able the connector to pick out the particular groupof subscribers in which the called subscriber is included, and to thencause the switch-shaft to rotate in a step-by-step manner until theline-wiper in use picks out the particular terminal connected with theline of the called subscriber.

The split collars or clam ing-rings a are each provided with a hookikelug a and a clamping-screw a said lug being adapted to engage the edgeof the lower plate of one of the banks, as shown in Figs. 2 and 22. Whentightened up, theseclamping'rings not only keep the banks properlyseparated and permit them to be adjusted independently of each other,but also fasten the banks securely in lace and in position to beproperly engaged y the wipers or switch-arms on the shaft. The end ofeach line-bank is preferably provided with'a brassend plate, such as theone shown in Figs 17 and 1 8. The said switch-shaft is preferablyreturned to its normal position after it has been rotated by means ofthe clock-spring-device b (See Figs. 5 and 6.) One end of this spring issecured to the casing b, which latter is in turn secured to a hub bhaving a suitable connection with an arm-b. This arm is adapted to engae the normal post b and to move u and own thereon in conformity to thevertlcal movements of the switch-shaft. Consequently when the shaft isrotated from its normal position the spring 11 is wound up and ivensufficient tension to restore the switc -shaft to its normal positionwhen the connector is finally released. A so called normal post-arm b issecured to the shaft B and adaptedto normallyengage the stop I)",carried by the arm bthat is, when the switch-shaft is in its normalo'sition. It will also be seen that this norma ost-arm is ada ted tonormally engage a switch-spring I) or the purpose of keeping the latternor;

mally out of contact with the switch arm or contact I).

At its back the frame or body of the connector is provided with asuitable number of jack-sprin s F, adapted when the connector 18 adjustein place to engage the stationary jack-springs F on the frame orsupportingrack. In this way each connector can be readily adjusted inplace on the frame or rack without the necessity of making or breakingany wire or solder connections, the mutual engagement of the stationaryand movable jack-springs being sufficient to close all necessary circuitconnections.

The mechanism for giving the switch-shaft a vertical step-by-stepmovement consists of vertical ratchetsteeth b on the switch-shaft and ofa so called vertical magnet G, adapted to operate a verticalratchet-pawl It will be seen that these ratchet-teeth t" are sufficientin number and of such character as to permit the shaft to be actuatedbank-contacts.

ten times in a vertical or endwise' direction, so as to raise the shaftto the desired level of The so-called vertical ma netr G can be securedto the frame or body in any suitable manner. As shown, the said verticalmagnet comprises two cores and two windings provided with a singlearmature g. This armature, it will be seen, is pivoted at g and istherefore adapted to vibrate or swing up and down about a horizontalaxis. The arm 9?, which is rigid with the said armature, is providedwith an L-shaped lug 9 adapted to reach under the flexible arm orlocking device h, as will hereinafter more fully appear. At its end thesaid arm g 'is pivotally connected at g with the said ratchet-pawl g. Itwill be seen that the said pawl is subject to the tension of a spring g,by which the same is pressed into yielding en agement with the verticalratchet-teeth on the shaft. The return movement of the armature isaccomplished by the use of a retracting-spring g having one end portionsecured to the said a1 mature ,and the other end thereof provided with anotch ada ted to engage the head of the T-shaped an rotaryscrew-threaded adjusting member 9". In this way the tension of thespring 9 can be varied or regulated by rotating the thumb-screw orrotary threaded adjusting device g", the latter being screwed into athreaded socket in the body-frame, and thus adapted for up-and-downadjustment. The said pawl g is guided into and out of engagement withthe ratchet-teeth by means of the guides g and g, the latter beingadjustably secured to the body-frame, while the former is shown as beingintegral with the said body-frame. In this way the alternate energizingand 'denergizin of the said vertical magnet produces a vibratorymovement of its armature and a consequent 'step-by-step verticalmovement of the switchshaft, due to the reci rocating ratchet-likeaction of the pawl g. y referrin to Fig. 33 it will be seen that thestop or guide 9 serves as a means for enabling the pawl g to posi tivelylock the shaft against upward movement after the pawl has reached thelimit of its upward movement. In this way the shaft stops promptly inits u' ward movement each time it reaches the en of an upward step, asit cannot move upward while the pawl g is held tight against the top ofthe next tooth by the stop g Normally the vertical groove or channel I),extending throu bout the series of vertical ratchet-teeth is engaged bythe stationary supporting-dog or, rest I), the same being suitablysecured to the body --frame A. Consequentl the shaft B can only move upand down whi e the wipers thereon are out of enga ement with thebank-contacts, andwhen t e shaft begins to revolve it is then supportedby the rest I), it being understood that the latter is adapted to engagethe under side of the artnular vertical ratchet-teeth 6 With thisarrangement the shaft can be elevated to the desired position and maythen be rotated at the level to which it has been adjusted, and

during such rotation and as a means of preventing a return or downwardmovement of the shaft while the locking-dogs are out of'engagement withthe ratchet-teeth thereon the rest I) will perform its function of engaing and serving as a thrust-bearing'for the ottom surface of theparticular tooth with which it must enga e in order to support the shaftat the desire level. As stated, therefore, the shaft can only move upanddown while the restjor, supportin -dog b is in enga ement with thevertica groove or channe 1) and cannot be .restoredjto its normal leveluntil after the shaft has beenreleased and allowed to rotatesufficiently to carrythe shaft-wipersiilear of' the line and privatebanks. During "the vertical. movement .of the switch-shaft and betweenthestep-bystep movements in this direction the shaft is supported by thevertical locking-dog b.

Figs. 38 to 43 illustrate the said double locking-dog and also therelease magnet and its armature and connections with said doublelocking-dog. It will be seen that the double locking-dog H is not onlprovided with the vertical locking-dog b, utis also provided with therotary locking-dog h. This double locking-dog is also provlded with anarm 71/, having a T-shaped end portion h The bearings h and h areadapted to provide a verticall -dispose d axis, about which the ri iddoub e do may swing or vibrate' In a dition the sai double dog isprovided with a projection 71?, which is normally engaged by an openingit in the end of the flexib other end portion secured by a screw h tothe magnet-bracket It". With this arran ement the two locking-dogs. ofthe said dou le do are held normally out of engagement wit theirrespective ratchet-teeth on the switchshaft B. It will be seen, however,that the said double dog is at all times subject to the pressure ortension of the flat sprin h the latter being suitably secured to t ebody-' In this way the sa1d posed and provided with a core having oneend portion thereof secured to; the magnetbracket h by means of a screwt. The other 'retracting-sprin t.

e armof spring catch device it, the latter havmg lts -mot1on.

end of saidrelease-magnetis, it will be seen,

i, the latter being hung at its upper end and provided at its lower endwitha fin er i adaptedtoengage the arm h of the. ouble do Preferably thesaid armature 'i is prov1 ed at its upper end with a couple of engagingportions i adapted to engage and ang upon the opposite ed e portions ofthe upper horizonta end portion of this retractlng-sprm 1s suitablysecured in place upon the top 0 the magnetbracket hby means of a screw iand that the two upwardly-projecting side portions '5 of said spring areadapted to engage the two portions '5? of the armature and to thus holdthe latter securely -1n place against the end portion of the bracket h".The ower end portion '27 of the said retracting-spring is adapted tobear upon the It wil .be seen that the arrangedto act upon the swingingarmature intermediate vertical portion of the said armature and tothereby act as a stop for limitthe outward movement of the latter,

W l'ien the said armature is attracted, its inward or forward; movementis yieldingly opposed by the pressure of the spring portions 1 a alnstthe upper end or engaging portions'i of t earmature.Asillustrated,thebraclreth is com osedof horizontal and verticalportions, t e upper horizontal portion bein provided with a lug or earh", adapted to e secured by screws' h to the adjacent vertical portionof the body-frame. I When the release-magnet I is energized, it attractsits armature i and in so doing causes the finger '1', to engage thedouble dog and force the two locking-dogs out of eng1 gement with theirrespective ratchet-teet When thus restored to its normal. or inoperativeposltion, the said double dog is locked in place by reason of theautomatic engagement of the apertured end portion of the spring-catch hwith the lug h j 5 Figs. 24, 25, and 26 show the mechanism for iving theshaft a step-by-step rotary g It will be seen that the so-called rotarymagnet" J is preferably composed of two cores and two windingssuitablysecured to the adjacent'vertical' ortion of the body-frame A,These two e ectromagnets constituting the so-called rotary magnet arearranged in a horizontal position one above the other. and with their"free ends in position to act upon the vibratory armature y'. ThlSarmature is pivotally mountedat j, preferably by means of cone-bearingsse-- cured to the body-frame, and is thereb adapted to vibrate or swingabout a vertlcally-disposed axis. As illustrated thisrot'arymagnet-armature is provided with an arm 1' having its endportion'pivotally connected at j with the rotary ratchet-pawl 7'". Thisratchet-pawl is, subject to the tension of a spring 9' which tends toforce it into engagement with the rotaryratchet-teeth IIO . Fig. 26, asthe sto 7" holds the pawl tightly against the bevele surface ofthenexttooth.

An adjustable stop j limits the outward or return movement of the arm j'under the pressure or action of the retractin -spring 1 Thisretracting-spring is secure at one end to the armature j and provided inits other end with a notch adapted to en age the head of a T-shapedrotary screw-t eaded adjustin device j, which latter is screwed into a t.eaded socket in the body-frame.

, In this way the said adjusting device can be ro- Y to 50, inclusive,illustrate the socalled side tated, and thereby given an endwise movement in a horizontal direction for the purpose of changing or varyingthe tension of the spring j employed for retractingthe rotary armatureto its normal osition.

Figs. 24 and 25,27 to 31, inclusive, and 44 switch-that is, the switchwhich is operated by the 'so-called rivate magnet K. It will be'seenthat this private magnet is horizontally dis osed and secured at one endto thebracket the latter being in turn secured to the adjacent portionof the body.- frame A.. At its other end the bracket is is pivotallyconnected at k with the swinging or vibratory armature This armature isprovided with a horizontal and forwardlyextendin arm 10 having adownwardlybent en ortion 70. Upon this arm are mounted t e-up'per andlower flat springs k and 'k, .the same being separated the desireddistance by the end ortion k. These springs are provided wit -u per andlower ratchet or saw teeth k an k the upper teeth being slightl out ofline with the lower teeth. A piece 0 insulation is is secured to thesaid arm'and adapted to project between the switch-springs k and k, itbein observed that the former are normally cosed and thelatter normallyoen. These switchsprings are, together wit suitable strips ,or 1eces ofinsulation, secured to the to of the hracket k by means of screws 7c".he rear ends or terminals k" of these switch-springs are arranged inconvenient positions for making. the necessary connections with thecircuit wires. The side switch'L is-pivotally mounted at Z, and thus adated to swing orivibrate about a Verticallyisposed axis. At one end thisside-switch arm or bod is provided witha finger 1, adapted tonorma lyproject between into and out of en the two springs k and k, as shown inFig. 27.

The said side-switch arm or body is also provided with a couple of In sZ and Z adapted, respectively, to engage t e body-frame and the cam l onthe switch-shaft. At its other end the-said side-switch arm or body isprovided with four spring-wipers Z Z, Z, and Z, all suitably secured inplace by means of screws Z and insulated from each other and from theside-switch arm or body b means of the inter osed strips of insulationThe contact-ma ing endportions of these wipers are adapted to en age thestationary contacts 1 ,1 .Z ,'an l, the said contacts being suitablysecured to the body-frame by means of screws Z, each contact orterminal.-

being suitablyinsulated from the frame and also from the other contacts.In this way the said side switch has three operative positions, and ineach position the wipers are all in contact with certain of thestationary contacts. In other words, the uppermost sideswitch wiper isadapted to cooperate with three stationary contacts, andeach of theother .wipers are adapted to cooperate with three similar con tacts,there being twelve contacts in all. The movement of the side switch isdirectly accomplished by the positive pressure or tension of the springl, the same having its lower end secured to the key ortension-regulating devicel". With this arrangement the finger l of theside switch normally occupies the position shown in Fig. 24; but whenthe private magnet K is energized the arm is is then depressed and thefinger Z made to occupy the position shown in Fig. 27tha't is, the saidfinger shifts from-its normal position in engagement with the innermostlower tooth into engagement with the innermost upper tooth. When theprivate magnet is then deener ized, the finger Z impinges on the pointof the innermost lower tooth is, causing the spring is" to flex or bendin the manner shown in Fig. 28. These two flat springs by the time theprivate armature rcgains its normal position will be separated enoughfor the finger Z to clear the upper rearmost tooth. This permits thespring 1" to actuate the side switch from first to second osition withthe lug Z resting against the inner edge I of the cam Z, as shown inFig. 45, and leaving the finger Z nearly in engagement with the foremostlower tooth, as shown in Fig, 29. Then when the shaft is rotated the camZ leaves the lug l and said finger Z falls against the foremost lowertooth. When the private magnet is again energized and dener ized, thefinger 1 passes from second to third position, as shown in Fi s. 30 and31, in a manner similarto that when it passes from first to secondposition. The first time the side switch is released its movement islimited by reason of the lug Z engaging the in Fig. 44. The next timethe side switch is ITO , ro'ection or, ed e l of the cam l as shownactuated, however, the shaft B has partially rotated the said cam, asshown in Fig; 48, so that the final outward movement of the side switchis limited" by reason of the fin er Z engaging the stationary stop 1",the atter bein suitably secured to the body-fraine. It wi 1 be observedthat each time the private magnet is energized its armature is pulleddown against the tension of the springs 7c, these springs then returningthearmature to its normal position when the private ma net isdeenergized. In this way a sprin sw1tch of suitab'e character, butpreferab y composed of the two switch-springs shown in Fig} 24, providesthe means for retracting the. armature of the so called private magnetWhen the release-magnet I is energized, it not only thereby'releasesthe'switchshaft, but it also restores the side switch. This isaccomplished by providing the double dog H with the previously-mentioned1 T- shaped end portion h and by connecting'this end portion with theside switch by means of a restorin -link'Z the latter being shown moreclearly in Fig. 46. The connection between this release-link and thedouble dog is of such nature that the double dog can be released fromits normal position and allowed to move into engagement with theratchetteeth without'moving the side switch; butafter the connector hasbeen operated in the desired manner and the subscribers are throughtalking the energizing of the releasemagnet then draws the double dogout of engiagement with the ratchet-teeth and in so 0mg causes the link1 to move the side switch back to its normal or original position,

and at this juncture it will be seen" that the double dog is drawn outof engagement with the teeth on theswitch-sha ft at the time therelease-magnet is energized and that the releasing of the connector istherefore accomplished promptly upon the closingof the-circuit throughthe release-magnetthat is, the release is accomplished without waitingfor the deenergizing of the release-magnet. The said method of releasingthe switch-shaft and allowing it to return to its normal position andthe manner of supporting the re lease-magnet and adjacent partsconstitutes one of the features which distinguish a con For example andas subscriber. It will also be seen, by referring .to Fig. 51, that theherein-described connector is provided with the back release-relays Mand a ringer-relay N, as well as with the so-called vertical and rotaryrelays 0 and P, it being desirable that the connector be provided withmeans whereby the called subscriber may effect a release of thedifierent switches 'in case the calling subscriber fails to make therelease and also, of course,

whereby the calling subscriber may after establishing the desiredconnection between his line and the line of the called subscriber vthenoperate a switch and cause the ringingcurrent to be projected onto the.circult through the connector and out over the called-subscribers lineto the bell at" the latters station, and the calling subscriber afterusin the connector may release the same.

T e circuit arrangement of the connector thus constructed may bechangedor varied to suit the conditions of different cases or requirements; butwith the parts connected up in the manner shown in Fig. 51the'electrical and mechanical operations of the connector are asfollows: The impulse or impulses transmitted over the vertical trunkneconductor 1 in the usual or any desired manner cause the so-calledvertical relay 0 to become energized as many times as there are impulsesand to thereby in turn en-. ergize the vertical magnet G, causing thelat- :ter 'toattract its "armature and bring about the o erationsalready describedthat is,

' the re ease of the double dog H and the raising of the switch-shaft Bto the desired level. A singleimpulse. then transmitted over the rotarytrunk-line conductor 2 results in the energizing of the so-called rotaryrelay P and in the consequent energizing of the private magnet K. Thisprivate magnet when energized. causes the side switch to. move fromfirstto second osition for the reasons and in the manner a ready described.This switches the magnet'switching wiper I from the vertical magnet tothe rotary magnet J and (puts the latterin condition to be energize whenthe calling subscriber again energizes the vertical relay 0. It willalso be seen that the movement of the side switch from first to secondposition causes the private side-switch wiper- Z to establish openconnecti on between the private-shaft wiper b and the release-magnet Ithrough the medium' of the normally open switch-springs.

k. The impulse or impulses then again transmitted over the vertical lineconductor energize the vertical relay, and the latter then brings aboutthe energizing of the rotary magnet J, causing the latter to rotate theshaft B in a step-.by-step manner and as many tiniesas there areimpulses transmitted through the vertical line-relay. This causes theshaft and its line and private wipers to rotate in such manner as tobring cuit.

the said Wipers to the desired position that -is, into position wherethey can engage the bank-contacts corresponding to the line .of.

includes the two line-relays O and P, while the other bridge includesthe so-called back release-relays M. The calling subscriber,

then energizes the ringer-relay N in the usual manner and over a circuitincluding the sideswitch wiper l the switch-springs k", and theline-relay contacts,- which are closed together by the energizing of theline-relay O y when the called subscriber throws current on this side ofthe circuit for the purpose of initiating the ringing of the calledsubscribers bell. The energizing of the ringerrelay opens theline-circuit and bridges the ringing- ,generator 5 across that part ofthe circuit extending to the called-subscribers station. However, shouldthe called-subscribersline be found busy the circuit completed fromground through the private-bank contact of the called-subscribers lineand through the private wiper b through the private sideswitch wiper l-,it being remembered that the side switch is still in second position,through the switch-springs is, through the releasema net I, and thenceto the non-groundedpole oft ebattery automatically brings about areleaseand restoration of the connector to its normal position, it' being alsoremembered that the springsk will-be brought together by the ca lingsubscriber as soon as the rotary line-relay P is energized for the lasttime m" an attem t to bring the side switch from second to tiirdposition. Then when the calling subscriber attempts to ring the bell atthe called-subscribers station the single impulse employed for thispurpose only-en' ergizes the veritca'l line-relay O, and thereby onlyaccomplishes a single actuation of the switch-shaft. in a verticaldirection. This, however, is sufficient to bring the normally openswitch-springs b and b together'and I to thereby connect a busy-signalmachine of any suitable construction with the rotary line side-switchwiper l", and thence through the ringer-relay contacts 6 and 7 with therotary line conductor 2, the latter at this time being in communicationwith the calling-subscribers equipment. Through the said equi mentconnection is then completed with t e It will be seen that one of saidbridges vertical line conductor Z, through the vertical relay 0, withthe leadto the non-grounded terminal of battery, and thence with theother terminal of the busy-machine. In this way if the selectedbank-contacts are found busy the final energizing of the private magnetsimply efiects a release of the connector, and the calling subscriber inthen attempting to ring the called subscriber will do nothing more thanclose the connections necessary for giving the busy-Si nal.' Itwillbeunderstood, of course, that t e battery 8 is referably grounded at 9andis suitable for urnishing current to the line-circuits for energizingthe line-relays and to the internal circuits for energizing thedifferent magnets of the connector. This in general is the operation ofthe connector when wired or employed in a circuit arrangement of thecharacter shown; but it is obvious, as previously stated, that thewiring and the circuit arrangement can be varied and changed inaccordance with the conditions and requirements of different situationsand without departing from the spirit of our invention.

With further reference to the release-magnet, it will be seen that thesame is mounted upon a bracket, which al'so'carries the release-armature and its retracting-spring and also the flexible arm orspring-catch for normally holding the double dog out of engagement withthe ratchet-teeth on the shaft. In this way the release-magnet, itsarmature, and the said spring-catch, together with the retracting-springfor the armature, can all be readily removed as a unit from theconnector. Furthermore, the screw t can by inserting it through a slotin the spring be employed as the means whereby the spring canadjusted ormoved on its support for the purpose of varying or changing the springtension.

With further respect to the operation of the connector it will be seenthat the arrangement is such that a release of the connector after thesubscribers have finished their conversation can be brought about by thecalling subscriber by simply energizing both of the line-relays throughthe medium of any suitable means, and incase the calling subscriberfails to make such a release the called subscriber can then release theconnector by energizing the back release-relays M. The circuitarrangement shown is, it will be seen, of such character that eithermethod of releasing may be carried out in the usual and wellunderstoodmanner. In any event, however, we employ the novel and advantageousfeature of releasin the connector immediately upon the energizing of therelease-magnet, rather than upon the deenergizing of such magnet. Inthis way the connector will release instantly and without waiting forthe circuit of the release-magnet to be opened.

In Fig. 51 some of the mechanical parts are other figures of thedrawings, inasmuch as this figure is diagrammatic and merely for thepurpose of showing the circuits and illustrating the 0 erations.For'example, in Fig. 51 only two anksof contacts are shownthat is, allof the line-contacts are shown in one bank, rather than in two-banks, aspreviouslyd'eseribed and illustrated. It'will be readily understood,however, that the mechanical construction ispreferabIyof the charactershown in Figs. -1 to 50, inclusive, andas previously described. I

' As shown, the difi'erent relays are mounted u on the body-frame of'theswitching-mac e, and when thus employed they consti tute a part of theconnector; but it isfobvious that these relays may be located on anysuit-- able support. 7 r

The purpose of the spring-switch which is operated by the rivate magnetand which serves to retract t e armature ofs'aid magnet is as follows:The upper or normally closed switch-springs are opened to prevent theenergi zing of the vertical magnet or the rota magnet or theringer-relay when the release 1s made by the calling subscriber,according to the condition of the comiector and the posi tion of theside switch. In other words, these u per and normally closed s rings areada ted to control the circuits .0 the vertica and rotary magnets andthe ringer-relay and to prevent. energization thereof when the callingsubscriber makes arelease, according to how far the callingop'erationhas progressed. The lower or normall springs are adapted toclose when't e 'connector releases automatically.tha.t is, when theconnectoris employed in an attempt to callabusysubscribers ine. Inothe'rwords, the said lower or normally open switch-springs control thecircuit of the release-magnet and a shaft wiper witha are thereforedesirably closed together when it becomes necessary to obtain anautomatic release. The busy release-circuit brought ement of theprivatearged or busy rivatebank contact extends from ground in themanner explained, through the said normally open switch-springs, andthrough the releasee magnet and directly to the non-grounded pole of thebattery. The releaseeeircuit rought about b the releasing of theconnector by the cal ing subscriber, in the usual about by the enga cmanner, extends from the non-groundedpole .of the battery, through therelease-magnet,

through the line-relay springs 10, which are brought together by thesimultaneous en ergizing of the line-relays, and thence out' over therelease trunk line conductor II to some point whereit can pass to groundand thence back to the grounded pole ofthe battery.

It will be understood, of course, that in the shaft against backmovement during op systems, comprising arotatable and en wise-- movableswitch-shaft having vertical? and rotary ratchet-teeth, anelectromagneticall -actuate d pawl for engaging the verticaratchet-teeth and thereby giving the said shaft a step-by-step verticalmovement,

adapted to engage said 'vert'icalr and roltary ratchet-teeth to preventbackmove ment ofthe shaft during its operation, a release-magnet, and areleasearmature adapted when-attracted by the said magnettopositivelydraw the said double dog out of engagement with said ratchet-teeth, andto .an electromagnetically-actuated pawl foren- I gaging the said(rotaryratcheteteetli? and thereby giving the said shaft a 'step-by-steprotary motion, a. double dog having "portions thereby allowtheswitch-shaft'to' restore itself to its normal position, and means forcatching and holding the sa1d double dog in its normalposition out 'ofengagement with the'said ratchet-teeth.

2. 'A connec'tor for automatic tele hone systems, comprising anelectromagnetic ally actuated switch-shaft, switch-contacts opera'tedthereby, a locking devicefor holding its operation,- a releasemagnet,and a release-armature adapted when attracted to -drawTth'e said lockingdevice into osition to release-the said shaft, said locking eviceconsistin of a double dog adapted when release from its normal positionto revent both endwise and rotary motion of t e shaft in a backwarddirection; andzth'ere bemg a line-circuit provided with a pair ofbridged line relays having normally open contacts which control theenergizing of sa1d release- "magnet and which can only be closedtogether by the simultaneous energization of said relays.

systems, comprising electromagnetical y-opsired connection, a lockingdevice for holding the switching means against back movement,

a release-magnet, and a releaserarma 3, connectorf for 'automatic'telehonev crated switching means for making the detu're adaptedwhenattracted. by the said magnet to move the said locking device intoposition to release the said switching means and thereby'permitthe'latter to resume its normal condition, said locking deviceconbothendwise and rotary motion of the switching means in a backwarddirection and there sistin of a double dog adapted when release from itsnormal position to prevent gether by the simultaneous energization ofsaid relays. i 4. Aconneetor" for automatic telephone systems,comprising switch-contacts, a shaft by which the contacts are operated,step-bystep mechanism for operating said shaft, means for locking theswitch-contacts in different positions, so as to temporarily maintainany one of a number of possible connections, a release-magnet, areleasesarmature adapted when attracted by said magnet to withdraw saidlocking means and thereby release the means for operating theswitchcontacts, and spring means for automatically restoring theswitch-contacts to normal pos1- tion upon the energizingof said magnet,said locking means consisting of a double dog adapted when released fromits normal position to prevent both endwise and rotary motion of theshaft in a backward direction and there being a line-circuit providedwith a pair of bridged line-relays having normally open contacts whichcontrol the energizing of said release-magnet and which can only beclosed together by the simultaneous energization of said relays. I

5. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprising switchingcontacts, means for oper ating said contacts, locking means formaintaining the switching-contacts in any desired position so as totemporarily establish any one of a number of possible connections, arelease-magnet, a release-armature hung at its upper end and having itslower end adapted to engage the said locking means, sprin means forkeeping the said armature normal y retracted, means for keeping saidlocking means normally retracted, and for automaticallyreleasing saidlocking means upon starting the operation of said switching-contacts,the said armature being adapted when attracted by the magnet to withdrawthe said locking means and thereby eflect a release of theswitchingcontacts, and automatic means for restoring the releasedswitching-contacts to normal position.

6. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprisingswitching-contacts and means for operating the same, a locking devicefor insuring against back movement of the contacts during theiroperation, a release-magnet, a flat spring having one end portionsuitably mounted and held in a horizontal position, a release-armaturehaving its up er end provided with engaging portions y which thearmature is hung upon the opposite edge portions of the horizontalportion of the spring, said spring having a couple of side portionsadapted to engage the upper end of the armature at points above the aXisabout which the latter swings, and the spring also having a lowerportion adapted to act as a stop to limit the movement of the armatureaway from the magnet, said armature being adapted when attracted by themagnet to Withdraw the said locking device and thereby effect a releaseof the switchingeontacts, togethenwith automatic means for restoring thereleased switching-contacts to normal position.

7. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprisingswitching-contacts, and suitable means for operating the same, a brackethaving a vertically-disposed lower ortion and an upper horizontalportion, a ocking device for preventing back movement ofthe'sWitching-contacts during their operation, a release-magnet havingone end suitably secured to the vertical portion of said bracket, thatspring secured to the uper horizontal portion of the bracket, areease-armature hung on said spring and normally held away from themagnet by the same, said armature being adapted when attracted towithdraw the said locking device and thereby effect a release of theswitching contacts, and spring means for automatically restoring thereleased switching-contacts to normal position.

8. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprisingswitching-contacts and means for operating the same, a locking devicefor preventing back movement of" the switching-contacts during theiroperation, a spring-catch for normally holdingsaid locking device in aninoperative condition, means for automatically disengaging said catchand releasing the said locking device upon starting the operation of thestitching-contaets, a release-magnet, and a release-armatine adaptedwhen attracted :to withdraw said locking device and thereby efl'ect arelease of the switching-contacts, together with spring means forautomatically restoring the released switching-contacts to normalposition.

9. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprising switchingcontacts mounted on the shaft, a side switch,- a locking device forpreventing back movement of the shaft during the operation of theeonneetor, means for normally holding said locking device in aninoperative condition, means for perating the said shaft and the sideswitch, automatic means for releasing the said locking device uponstarting the operation of the connector, :1 "release-magnet, areleasearm ature adapted when att racted by said magnet to withdraw thesaid locking device, and suitable connections whereby the energizing ofsaid magnet is also accompanied by arestorationof said side switch"together with a line-circuit, and a pair of linerela vs bridged acrosssaid line-circuit, said line-relays being provided with a pair ofnormally separated switch-contacts which control lho energizing of therelease-magnet andliwhich can only be closed togetherrby the energizingof both relays;

, means for operating said shaft, a lockin de-' 10. 'A connector, forat/tomatic .telephone systems, comprising 'a switch-shaft,

vice for preventing back movement oi the shaft during its operation, aspring-catch for normally holding said locking device in an inoperativeposition, a release-magnet, means for automatically throwing saidlocking device into action upon starting the oper-l of the atlon of theconnector, a release-ar'm'a:

ture adapted when attracted by said mag? net to withdrawsaid-lockingdevice, a side switch, and a connection between said sideswitch andiocking device whereby the en-' ergizing of said magnet andthe attraction of said armature is necessarily. accom a restoration ofboth the said sha t said side switch. 7 v

11. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprising aswitch-shaft provided with vertical and rotary anied by ratchet-teeth, adouble dog having portions adapted to engage both the vertical androtary movement of the shaft during its operation, a stationary support,a s ringcatch having one end suitably secured to saidsupport'and itsother end adapted to engage said double dog and thereby normally holdthe latter in an inoperative condition, electromagnetically-actuatedmeans for automatically disengaging said catch and thereby releasing thesaid double dog upon starting the operation connector, and electromanetic'allyoperated means for restoring said ouble dog operation, a catchfor 'tomatically returning the re upon starting the operation of toitsnormal position and thereby releasing means for authe shaft, togetherwith spri I eased shaft to its normal position. .12. A connector forautomatic telephone systems, comprising switching-contacts and means foroperating the same, a locking device for preventing back movement of theswitching-contacts during their normally holding the saidlocking devicein an ino erative condition, means for automatica disengaging said catchandreleasing the lbckingdevice the con- .nector, andelectromagneticallyoperated means for positively withdrawing saidlocking device and moving it baclg into its normal position inengagement with said catch. 13. A connector for automatic telephonesystems, comprising a rotatable and endwise-movable switch-shaft,locking means for preventing back movement of the shaftduring itsoperation, a-device for normally maintaining said locking means in aninopen ative condition, means for automatically throwing the saidlocking means into operation upon starting the operation of the conandtheratchet teeth to prevent back nector, a side switch, a privatemagnet. having an armature constituting the .sole means forelectromagnetically setting the side switch in motion,.a release-magnet,

a release-armature adapted when attracted to restore the said lockingmeansto normal condition and thereby effect a release of theswitch-shaft, suitable connections whereby the energizing of'saidrelease-magnet is also accompanied by a restoration of said side switchto its normal position, and spring means for restoring the releasedshaft to its normal position.

7 14. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprisingswitching-contacts and means for operating the same, normallyinoperative-locking means adapted to prevent back movement ofthe-switchingcontacts during the operationof the 'connector, and afterthe said contacts have been moved to the desired position, a sideswitch, a private magnet provided with temporarily maintain any one of anumber of possible connections, a release-magnet, a fiat spring havingits upper horizontalpon tion adjustably mounted, a release-armatu-rehaving its upper end removably hung upon the edges of the saidhorizontalportion o the spring, said spring having upwardlyprojecting sideportions adapted to engage the upper end portions of the armature atpoints above the axis about which the latter I tilts or swings, and thespring also having a lower end portion adapted to act as a stop to limitthe movement of the armature away from the magnet, said armature beingthereby adapted when attracted to restore the said locking means tonormal condition and thus eflect a release of the switching means,together with sprin means for restoring the, switching means w enreleased to normal positi'on.

16. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprising a rotatableand endwise-movable switch-shaft having verti'cal and rotaryratchet-teeth, an electromagnetically-actuated pawl for engaging thevertical ratchetteeth and. thereby giving the said shaft a step-by-stepvertical movement, an electromagnetically-actuated pawl'fo'r engagingthe said rotary ratchet-' teeth and thereby giving the said shaft astep-by-step rotary motion, a double dog having portions adapted toengage said vertical and rotary ratchet-teeth to prevent back movementof the shaft during its operation, a release-magnet, and arelease-armature adapted when attracted by the said magnet to positivelydraw the said double dog out of engagement with said ratchetteeth, andto thereby allow the switch-shaft to restore itself to its normalposition, and means for catching and holding the said double dog in itsnormal position out of engagement with the said ratchet-teeth, togetherwith a line-circuit, the connector as a Whole comprising also a pair ofline-relays bridged across the line-circuit, means whereby the relaysare controllable by a calling subscriber and operative to cause theconnector to establish connectionwith the called-subscribers line, andmeans Whereby said relays are also controllable by a calling subscriberand operative to eiiect the release and restoration of the connector tonormal position.

17. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprising anelectromagnetically-actuated switch-shaft, switch-contacts operatedthereby, a locking device for holding the shaft against back movementduring its operation, a release-magnet, and a release-armature adaptedwhen attracted to draw the said locking device into position to releasethe said shaft, together with a line-circuit, the connector as a wholecomprising also a pair of line-relays bridged across the line-circuit,means whereby the same are controllable by a calling subscriber andoperative to cause the connector to establish connection with thecalled-subscribers line, and means whereby said relays are alsocontrollable by a calling subscriber and operative to effect the releaseand restoration of they connector to normal position. v

18. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprisingelectromagnetically-operated switching means for makingthe desiredconnection, a locking device for holding the switching means againstback movement, a relcasamagnet, and a re lease-armature adapted whenattracted by the said magnet to move the said locking device intoposition to release the said switching means and thereby permit thelatter to resume its normal condition, together with a line-circuit, theconnector as a whole comprising also a. pair of line-relays bridgedacross the line-circuit, means whereby the same are controllable by acalling subscriber and operative to cause the connector to establishconnection with the called-subscribers line, and means whereby saidrelays are also controllable by a callin and operative to eilect thereleas 4,; 0 iuosciibei saving 1ts upper end provided with engagin e andres- 1 portions by which the toration of the tion.

19. A connector for automatic teleplionc systems, comprisingswitch-contacts, step-by-step mechanism for operating said contacts,means for locking the switch-contacts in different positions so as totemporarily maintain any one of a number of possible connections, a"release-magnet," a release-armature adapted when attracted by saidmagnet to withdraw said locking means and thereby release the means foroperating the switch-contacts, and spring means for automaticallyrestoring the switch-contacts to normal positionupon the energizing ofsaid magnet, together with a line-circuit, the connector as a wholecomprising also a pair of connector to normal posiline-relays bridgedacross the line-circuit,

means whereby the same are controllable by a calling subscriber andopcrativc to cause the connector to establish connection with thecalled-subscribei"sline, and means whereby said relays are alsocontrollable by a calling subscriber and operative to client the releaseand restoration of the connector to normal position.

20. A connector for automatic telephone systems, comprisingswitching-contacts, means for operating said contacts, locking means formaintaining the switching-co11- tacts in any desired position so as totemporarily establish any one of a number of possible connections, arelease-magnet, a release-armature hung at its upper end and having itslower end adapted to engage the said locking means, spring means forkeeping the said armature normally retracted, means for keeping saidlocking means normally rctracted, and for automatically releasing saidlocking means upon starting the operation of said switching-contacts,the said arnniturc being adapted when attracted by the magnet towithdraw the said locking means and thereby efiect a release of theswitching-contacts, and automatic means for restoring the releasedswitching-centsctsto normal position, the connector as a wholecomprising also a pair of line relays and means when-by the same arecontrollable by a calling subscriber and operative to cause the"conncctoi" to establish connection with the oiled subscribcrs line, andmeans whereby said relays are also controllable by a calling subscriberand operative to client the release and restoration of the connector tonornnil position.

21. A connector for automatic telephone systems, z 'nnprii-iingswili-hing-wm tacts and means for operating the ame, a locking devicefor insuring :igaii i barlr movement of the contnc! a during theiropera-- rion, a release-magnet a flat spring having one end portionsuitably mounted and hold in a horizontal position, :1 rclons arniature:zirmaturc is hung upon

